Main Findings:

• Dublin city centre footfall contracted sharply in four successive weeks between 9^th March and 5^th April. 
• This reflects the initial closure of schools, colleges, creches and cultural institutions, and the cancellation of mass gatherings from 12^th March, and a more restrictive shut-down from 28^th March.
• Weekend road traffic followed as similar pattern, falling sharply week-on-week from the second week in March through to the first half of April.
• However, although they remain far below normal levels, both Dublin city centre footfall and weekend road traffic have now started to pick up again. 
• Dublin city centre footfall rose by 2.2% in the week beginning 6^th April. 
• During this week footfall rose in 12 of the 13 monitored locations.
• Weekend road traffic fell for 5 successive weeks, including Easter weekend (11^th & 12^th April).  But it bounced back sharply last weekend, rising by 23.8% week-on-week on the weekend of 18^th & 19th.

Background & Interpretation

Savills Ireland compiled and analysed footfall and traffic data to inform its own business planning and to assist clients in planning for their businesses.

Dr. John McCartney, Director of Research at Savills, said governments are seeking to balance public health imperatives, economic realities, and the public’s tolerance of lock-down restrictions.  There has clearly been enormous social cohesion throughout this crisis and that is still in place.  However, although it is early days, data from Dublin’s on-street cameras do hint that the Irish public is now beginning to show its appetite for a return to normality.

While we cannot second guess the public health issues, and while much depends on how other countries’ efforts to re-open their economies go we think that, on balance, this improves the chances that some relaxation of the current lock-down restrictions may be flagged when the Government publishes its roadmap strategy in advance of 5^th May.

Footfall Data

• Weekly report by Dublin Town (a Dublin retailers business association).
• Latest data up to 12^th Apr.  Data for week 13^th-19^th Apr will come out on Thurs evening.
• Collected from network of on-street cameras at 13 Dublin city centre locations – see below:

Dame Court

Grafton St at Card Gallery

Grafton St at M & S

Henry St at Butlers

Mary St

Moore St

O'Connell St at Clerys

O'Connell St at Easons

South Great Georges

South King St

South William St

Capel St at Mullen

Road Traffic Data

• Statistics compiled by Savills based on data from Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s network of traffic count cameras.
• Focus on weekend (Sat & Sun) traffic to try and capture discretionary trips
• 11 Locations selected to capture traffic movements on Dublin’s main arterial routes

Dr John McCartney is Director of Research at Savills Ireland